Trust hits us all at the core of who we are. Learn 4 factors of trust and questions to know if it's present in your relationships.
Hey Leaders!
This week's topic hits us all at the core of who we are. We're unaware of its presence when its there, and we're intensely aware when it's absent. I'm talking about trust. It's strange that this topic isn't talked about more considering its fundamental importance to all relationships - personal and professional.
We all work better, faster, and more effective when trust is present in the workplace. We also experience more peace, greater give and take, and increased closeness in personal relationships when trust abounds.
Photo courtesy of Terry Johnston via Flikr
This topic has become fascinating to me over the several of months, because, through listening, reading, and learning about this topic, I have seen many of my relationships in new ways. I feel a little like Neo from the first Matrix movie when he finally see's everything as it really is (Yes, I'm a nerd).
So, one of the best teachings I've heard on this key topic of trust has come from an interview on The EntreLeadership Podcast. Author, Ken Blanchard, laid out 4 key factors in the development of trust in relationships from his book Trust Works! and some questions to help us identify these factors. They are the ABCD's of trust.
Does this person have the competency to do the job that they've been asked to do?
Does this person walk their talk? Are they operating with integrity?
How do you feel about this person? Do they care about you? Do they care about others?
Does this person do what they say? Are they a man or woman of their word?
If you're anything like me, you probably started wondering if you are trustworthy by these standards. If I had to guess, there are 1 or 2 you feel good about and 1 or 2 that sting a little because they are areas of improvement for you. I believe this is perfectly normal. We are all growing and improving, right?!
I'll end with a quote about the reciprocity of trust.
When you give trust, people receive it and they'll return it. When you withhold trust, people will withhold trust. - Stephen M.R. Covey
Lead Your Home! Lead Your Work! Lead Your Life!
Resources:
Book: Trust Works!: Four Keys to Building Lasting Relationships
by Ken Blanchard
Podcast: The EntreLeadership Podcast (Ken Blanchard's interview was on Jul 30, 2013)
The amount of rapport or trust built will directly affect the speed of the remaining steps and if you will be able to go back to this person again.
You'll need to bring people into the process who will tell you the truth, are more experienced than you, and will be available to you along the way.
I'm going to address how you can professionally and politely close and leave the prospect/person feeling good about the decision they made.